A clergyman of the Novokuznetsk diocese took part in the IX International Bell Ringing Festival “Odigitrievsky” in Smolensktranslated

On August 9, 2026, after the solemn vespers with an akathist at the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria”, the IX International Festival of Bell Ringing “Odigitrievsky” took place on Cathedral Hill near the walls of the Assumption Cathedral.

The event was attended by the rector of the church in honor of the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, Hieromonk Zosima (Demchenko).

The festival, which became an integral part of the Odigitrievsky celebrations, united masters of bell ringing from different cities of Russia and Belarus. On this day, the art of bell ringers could be heard not only by the flock leaving the cathedral after the service, but also by residents and guests of Smolensk who gathered on Cathedral Hill.

The Odigitrievsky bell ringing festival annually brings together the best bell ringers, including masters from Smolensk, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kostroma, Novokuznetsk, Yaroslavl, Novosibirsk, as well as from Belarusian Vitebsk, Bobruisk, Mogilev and other cities.

The day before, on August 8, Metropolitan Isidor of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh met with festival participants at the Smolensk diocesan administration. The Bishop warmly greeted the guests and thanked them for the opportunity to take part in the Odigitrievsky celebrations at…